Groups set for 2014 FIFA World Cup

The United States national team drew European powers Germany and Portugal and a Ghana team that’s knocked them out of the past two World Cups in the 2014 FIFA World Cup draw Friday in Brazil.

Jurgen Klinsmann's side were drawn into Group G – arguably the toughest group on the board when the draw was completed – and will open the tournament where they left off in 2010, against Ghana on June 16 in Arena das Dunas, on the Northeastern coast of Brazil.

The USMNT’s CONCACAF counterparts drew varying degrees of difficulty, highlighted by Mexico’s draw into Group A with host nation Brazil. El Tri – who advanced via intercontinental playoff against New Zealand last month – will also play Cameroon and Croatia.

Costa Rica face a tough challenge in Group D with Uruguay, Italy and England, while Honduras face arguably the easiest road in Group E, with Switzerland, Ecuador and France. Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Johnny Leveron was involved in the Honduran side during their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Group B houses both the defending World Cup champions in Spain as well as the runners-up in the Netherlands, along with Chile and Australia.

Group C is led by Colombia, along with Greece, Cote d’Ivoire and Japan.

Argentina drew one of the easiest roads among the seeded teams in Group F, joined by Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria.

Belgium highlights Group H, along with Algeria, Russia and South Korea, the US team’s opponent for an international friendly on Feb. 5 in Los Angeles.